RSPCA policies (1 Viewer)

[Katy Penland]

Wasn't quite sure where to ask this question, but I think ultimately it is one of ethics...

Three times in as many threads, people in the UK have been reluctant to call the RSPCA for either advice about injured/ill birds or have not wanted to take the birds to the nearest RSPCA because, they say, the RSPCA has a tendency to simply put the birds down rather than treat/care for them and re-release them.

The fact that three different people have mentioned this makes me wonder just what about "protection" is this organization providing, in this case, to wild birds if they have a reputation (deserved or not) for simply killing them? I'm not asking to start a debate over the whole spectrum of merits of this organization, but I am concerned that we (meaning, BF staff and other members) have been encouraging people to call this group for help when in fact that may not be a sound practice.

Can anyone shed any light on the RSPCA's policy for handling/treating wild birds?

 

[Edward woodwood]

i expect the vast majority of birds are not treatable and therefore would be a drain on resources for an organisation that could do with several times the budget it works to.

they protect animals from cruelty (rather than treating wild birds) and as such probably have their work cut out already

Tim

 

[CornishExile]

Without referring to specific people, you do tend to find a certain sector of society here in the UK (and represented here on Birdforum too) who are 'animal-lovers' and weirdly are often keen to put the RSPCA down (no pun intended). Maybe something to do with a mentality that thinks I-could-do-better-myself? Who knows.

By and large, if the RSPCA thinks a specific bird has a realistic chance of recovery and survival they'll either treat it or pass it on to a local specialist. As Tim says, they do a lot on a relatively small budget. They are emphatically not as nihilistic as some people would have you believe.

If you find an injured bird, they're almost certainly the best first port of call.

ce

 

[Mary Evelyn]

When we came across a cygnet that was injured,we rang our local vet and he told us to catch it,put it in a box and he would look after it.However,the parents would not allow us near.We tried in vain but the parents were understandably looking after all 5 young.
We then decided to ring the RSPCA but they did not have the means for catching this type of bird,they also told us to seize it.
We then rang Washington Wild Fowl and another man who rescued wild birds, but they couldn't help either.
We were distraught and again rang the RSPCA stating we could not get the bird because of the agression shown to us by the parents and finally they came out.
However,having a Pet supplies shop we have heard of many problems where the RSPCA would not help.
Infact,one day they came to our shop to check on the rabbits,only to find we do not sell live stock.We had ran the business for 10 years but only when another local pet-store was reported for cruelty did they come to us by accident.
I can not understand why they didn't check us out sooner.
It is an important issue.

 

[birdman]

Not only does the RSPCA protect animals from cruelty, I would venture that pets and domesticated animals take priority.

I am sure that any self respecting RSPCA member would do what they could for an injured wild bird or animal, but as Tim says, their resources (at the local level) may be severely limited, someone has to pay.

They will not keep any animal idefinitely (as far as I know, and I am happy to be corrected) rather they will try to place animals before they become, sad to say, a financial burden.

It is easy to suggest they are the first port of call, as they are a national charity, but locally there may be other options, such as private animal shelters. Even here though, we are still talking pets/domestics.

Rehabs don't seem to be as thick on the ground as they are in the US, but a wild bird could be sent there... although you might still have the same problem if you were to take an injured crow to a bird of prey centre (with all the same caveats).

Interestingly, no-one seems surprised that taking an injured bird to the RSPB hasn't been suggested. But I guess that's not in their remit either.

 

[Mary Evelyn]

Not only does the RSPCA protect animals from cruelty, I would venture that pets and domesticated animals take priority.

I am sure that any self respecting RSPCA member would do what they could for an injured wild bird or animal, but as Tim says, their resources (at the local level) may be severely limited, someone has to pay.

They will not keep any animal idefinitely (as far as I know, and I am happy to be corrected) rather they will try to place animals before they become, sad to say, a financial burden.

It is easy to suggest they are the first port of call, as they are a national charity, but locally there may be other options, such as private animal shelters. Even here though, we are still talking pets/domestics.

Rehabs don't seem to be as thick on the ground as they are in the US, but a wild bird could be sent there... although you might still have the same problem if you were to take an injured crow to a bird of prey centre (with all the same caveats).

Interestingly, no-one seems surprised that taking an injured bird to the RSPB hasn't been suggested. But I guess that's not in their remit either.

The RSPB have never offered to attend wild birds and I would imagine that is why it hasn't been suggested.However, it is a fair point.

 

[Bluetail]

The RSPB have never offered to attend wild birds and I would imagine that is why it hasn't been suggested.However, it is a fair point.

As the RSPB say on their website:

"The RSPCA (England and Wales), SSPCA (Scotland) and USPCA (Northern Ireland) are the national charities that help and advise on sick and injured birds and animals. The RSPB does not run bird hospitals or a rescue service."

 

[birdman]

The RSPB have never offered to attend wild birds and I would imagine that is why it hasn't been suggested.However, it is a fair point.

Yes... just the point I was making, Mary Evelyn... just in a very bad way!!!

 

[Katy Penland]

Thanks for the replies, everybody. Each of you raised some good points, although I was kind of hoping to hear a bit more positive things, like, if you call your nearest RSPCA about a wild bird issue, even if they can't help perhaps they would refer you to someone who could -- or something along those lines. Sounds like the best advice is to just have people try to find a rehabber/vet nearest them who might be able to help. ?

 

[alcedo.atthis]

Katy, interestingly enough, a couple of weeks ago, there was a program on television about the birds and protection afforded to them in this country. There was a building about to be demolished in an English city centre. This was being done during the nesting season. There were Swallows with eggs and young in nests within the building. This was reported to the RSPCA, and they went to see what was going on. They, the RSPC called in the police who attended, probably due to the presence of the cameras, and the building was inspected. The demolition contractors were advised of the law, (Birds Directive and the W & C S A, and their contents relating to nesting birds and their protection). The contractors had to remove safety netting from exterior scaffolding, as the netting was stopping the adult Swallows reaching their young. The demolition was halted untill all nestlings had fledged.
There was a post last week about a number of trees being cut down, trees which had nesting birds in them. If the poster had alerted the RSPCA along with the media, and informed the police that the media were involved, then the tree felling may have been halted.
With on the spot enviromental issues, the media is the strongest tool that any member of the public has.

Regards

Malky

 

[alcedo.atthis]

"Interestingly, no-one seems surprised that taking an injured bird to the RSPB hasn't been suggested. But I guess that's not in their remit either."





We have a vet up here in Aberdeenshire who looks after injured wild/domesticated birds. As far as I know, the wild birds are catered through a charity status, which he holds for said.
He has looked after many species including Raptors, injured by illegal means. During discussions between himself and myself, I have been informed that he and his family have had threats made against them due to the nature of some of the injuries he has had to deal with relating to birds of prey, and the sources of said injuries.
Understandingly enough, many vets will not get involved due to the two reasons, the cost of rehabilitation of injured birds and the fear of associated threats linked to certain injuries which were as a result of illegal actions. Without the service he and his helpers give, there would be many an injured bird put down unnecessarily which seem a little pointless, when help is available.

Well done to them.



Regards



Malky

 

[griffin]

I rescued a 1st Winter Fieldfare found at Glen Tanar in Oct. The migration had left it exhausted, emaciated and the flock had left it behind. It would have died. I thought I would give it a fighting chance, expecting it to die when handling it or keeping it overnight.

I kept it overnight and the RSPCA inspector collected it the next day. It was then passed on to the local vet that Malky refers to, and he called two days later to say it recovered fully and was presumably later released.

Have also handed in injured Spuggies to RSPCA, and they gladly accept them and try to help, but as Rolf Harris says "sadly the little fellas didn't make it"....

Linz

 

[rogerscoth]

Not only does the RSPCA protect animals from cruelty, I would venture that pets and domesticated animals take priority...............
It is easy to suggest they are the first port of call, as they are a national charity, but locally there may be other options, such as private animal shelters. Even here though, we are still talking pets/domestics.
Rehabs don't seem to be as thick on the ground as they are in the US, but a wild bird could be sent there... although you might still have the same problem if you were to take an injured crow to a bird of prey centre (with all the same caveats).
Interestingly, no-one seems surprised that taking an injured bird to the RSPB hasn't been suggested. But I guess that's not in their remit either.

Locally, here in South Lincolnshire, there is an animal shelter
http://www.exotic-pet-refuge.org.uk/.
Although it is primarily for unwanted (or often abandoned) domestic pets, they will take in injured wild birds and animals, including some from the RSPCA.

Roger

 

[Serrator]

My,this is an old thread!
Well,RSPCA centres are as individual as the people who run them.

 

[Serrator]

1.These centres do not all run by the same policies,and I should know as I've worked in one.
2.Birds often just disappear and you'll never see them again,unless you go in and find out what happened to them.
3.A recent case of a rare bird being taken in to the *SPCA,which was a cat bite victim,appeared to be doing well,and getting better,but went downhill rapidly after it got there.Cat bite victims need a small injection which can only be administered by a vet.Although the *SPCAs do a great job,you can't help wondering if it got that injection(it was late in the day,vets closed).
-if anyone has a cat bite victim,they should take it to the vets asap,or it will die due to bacterial infection.
4.Vets vary.There are 2 near here,one will put down almost anything,the other will treat almost anything.
5.I took a Herring Gull to the first vets once,which couldn't walk,but didn't tell them.When I went to pick it up,they hadn't noticed.
6.Some places put down H.Gulls right away,as they're now very common.RSPCA centres don't.
-they treat every bird on its merits.
7.If its late at night,and you come across an injured animal,I don't know if there'll be anyone available,so you'll have to feed it,and keep it overnight.

 

[Serrator]

Other Recommended Centres

1.St Tiggywinkles,Aylesbury.
-tel.01844 292292
-advice,pickup (locally at least)

2.South Devon Seabird Trust,Teignmouth.
-tel.01626 770999
/776904

 

[mat]

Having worked for the RSPCA, i know their resources are very limited- around 300 inspectors and 150 ACO'S(animal collection officers) to cover England and Wales 24 hours a day 7 days a week-
The main reason for their work is to alleviate all animal suffering so if a bird is injured and a full recovery is not possible, they will put it to sleep straight away- obviously this is very difficult to assess straight away so they have very difficult decisions to make every day- Having followed up many cases on the RSPCA computers, i can assure you that the percentage put to sleep straight away is small and many are taken to veterinary centres and refuges where they can be more fully assessed. Best advice if finding an injured bird is to take it to a vet as collections by the societies can sometimes be a good few hours due to resources-
regards
Mat

 

[Jodd]

As said earlier it depends on what part of the country you are and what additional resources are available to the RSPCA such as wildlife hospitals. I know in my part of the world the RSPCA take wildbird casualties to the Gower Bird Hospital.

http://www.gowerbirdhospital.org.uk/default.asp

Jo

 

[Syrinx]

My boyfriend has a cat and it brings home many an injured bird. (I try to keep it in but he's a sneaky so and so , and so I also keep a limited upto date supply of antibiotics from the vet in my fridge now in the spring)
-I currently have one 3month old hand-reared cat attack sitting on this keyboard as I'm typing he was badly cut up like all the others - so those antibiotics really can do the trick.
When the cat first started to "hunt" nestlings I contacted both the rspca and rspb on different occasions and each time the response was the same.

I understand that they have limited resources and I also understand that sometimes attempting to "help" can prolong dreadful suffering, but I was horrified when I suggested that I (being disabled and at home 24/7. and with a history of rehabing birds in Canada with a wildlife rehab unit) could do it - seeing as these birds had apearenly survived and recovered from their attacks, I was told "this way is for the best".

Before I became disabled, I worked in a cats & dogs home here in england. I cannot fault the Rspca in regards to the domestic animal but I am deeply concerned about the attitude of the rspb and even some of the protection laws when it comes to the treatment of sick and injured wildlife. I mean heaven forbid if I had attemped to help a rare thing. From what I can gather, I'd be up on charges at this point, even if it had survived and recovered and was well within my abilities.

Anyway, I yeilded but I cannot make sense of this. And now I'm plagued by the guilt of handing over those birds for destruction when I am as certain as I can be that at least 2 of them could have been saved and released.

This year I ignored their advice and this year I've taken in 6 (all between 3-5 day old nestlings - the cat is a lazy hunter) and sucessfully released 5. The 6th bird is the one trying to type at the moment. I dont feel that he is fit for release yet and I'm painfully aware that time is ticking on. He's getting older and more and more used to human contact. He's healthy in all other ways but has a problem as a result of the scaring that unless remedied by his next moult will prevent him from ever being released but I am terrified to turn to these people for further advice! I'm very good at this but not an expert. I'm not looking to make a pet of him. I truely believe he just needs care in the meantime. But what can I do?

I do have a question, but I'm too scared to ask them... what if this little scarred creature never grows a decent cover of feathers? Does this attitude of "death is better than captivity" theirs extend to a creature that was only ever wild for 3 days and is otherwise and in all other ways perfectly healthy, active and seems to be happy? Are their exceptions? Licences maybe? There must be an alternative to death if a return to the wild turns out to be the same sentence.

 

[Vectis Birder]

The RSPCA were great when I found a Sparrowhawk with a broken wing about 13 years ago. They took it in and treated it and it was eventually released back where I found it.

I'll never forget that car journey, where I was holding a box containing said Sparrowhawk and driving at the same time...too scared to let go in case the box slid about in the car.